Residents of the riverine community in the Oriade LCDA axis of Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos state saw to the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) visiting the coastal community .
The visit to the Ibeshe community has extended its campaign on clean air and a sustainable environment in an advocacy for a better environment.
Residents were encouraged not to burn trees, trash, or plastics during the advocacy by Mr. Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources who was also present alongside other officials
Gaji stated that the government encouraged people to be environmentally sensitive and avoid air pollution, pointing out that pollution is not pleasant to humans or the environment.
He revealed that other pertinent parties, such as the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Lagos State Health Management Authority (LASHMA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), and Lagos Ferry Services, are working together on the campaign against air pollution (LAGFERRY).
Given its location between the lagoon and the sea, the Permanent Secretary insisted that the island of lbeshe, which lies halfway between Amuwo-Odofin and Badagry, requires more than a passing glance. He advised the locals to stop disposing of rubbish improperly.
He emphasized that such actions pose severe risks to both the environment and the health of families, and he pledged that the state government will keep spreading knowledge about a safe, welcoming environment while urging locals to adopt responsible environmental attitudes.
In an effort to raise awareness among locals about the proper disposal of non-biodegradable plastic wastes, which pose a serious threat to environmental sustainability and protection, she disclosed that LASHMA and LASEPA are collaborating to provide residents with health insurance in exchange for bags of plastic waste.
According to her: “30 bags of used plastic bottles can qualify a family of four for a one-year free medical care under the State Health Insurance Scheme”.
The CDA Chairman of Ibeshe Community, Mr. Francis Abiodun-Gbemu, affirmed that the community members have felt the presence of government within the community through the initiative.
“The community members are now better informed and enlightened about proper management of their wastes for recycling purpose, especially for the free healthcare access for vulnerable members of the society”, he stated.
During the advocacy effort, trash was also exchanged for money and for eco-friendly goods like cooking gas, reusable mugs, and food, among other things.
Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, the General Manager of LASEPA, claimed that the organization had used a variety of tactics, including theatre, poetry, board games, and songs, to engage citizens in the message of clean air.
She explained that the decision to hold the clean air advocacy in a coastal region was deliberate given the increasing sea level, which demands urgent attention and concern from everyone worldwide.
Fasawe stated that the State Government recognized the critical need to address global warming and climate change by constant advocacy and recycling of non-degradable materials in order to stop the trend of rising sea levels.
The General Manager continued, “LASEPA has also introduced incentives that involve the exchange of waste for environmentally friendly materials and cash as a way of protecting the ecosystem and, by extension, protecting human lives. This is in addition to the different information and communication tools that the State Government is using to engage Lagosians.”